Stock Your Dorm Kitchen With These 20 Essentials

You may find comfort in your college dining halls, but we've got 20 kitchen essentials for times when in-room meal prep is a must.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

July 13, 2021

By: Liz Gray and Maria Conti

Show: HGTV Crafternoon

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Photo By: Jennie Andrews Photography

Dorm Room Kitchen Essentials

Even if you're dishing up most of your meals in the dining hall, you still need the basic kitchen essentials in your dorm room. Here's what you'll need for quick breakfasts, late-night snacks, study sessions and more.

A Kitchen Cart

Dorm room space is at a premium, so movable furniture is key. That's why we love this rolling, open storage: It can be moved around the room, and you can steal a shelf for beauty essentials or office supplies when your kitchen stash is running low.

Our Pick: Target, $35.00

A Large Bowl

Game night won't be the same without a big, communal bowl of chips, pretzels or popcorn. Choose one in durable metal or melamine to minimize breakage risk.

Our Pick: Target, $10.00

Storage Jars

Clear glass or plastic storage containers help keep cereal and other essentials fresh. Another bonus? They take up less space than boxes do, and add dorm room style to boot.

Our Pick: Amazon, $16.99

Removable Labels

Keep your kitchen stock organized with stylish removable labels. Like to switch up your cereal and candy choices? Opt for chalkboard labels that can be updated as your tastes change.

Our Pick: The Container Store, $7.99

Drinking Glasses

These glasses are small in stature but big on style, thanks to the fun triangle pattern. Choose a low-profile option that will do dual purpose for water and juice. Choose glassware made from melamine for a stylish, non-breakable option.

Our Pick: Target, $0.50

On-the-Go Beverage Containers

To stay hydrated on the go, stock the room with these three essential travel cups: one for hot drinks, one for cold drinks, and one for water.

Our Pick: Amazon, $25.00

Reusable Straws

Swap single-use plastic straws for their chic, reusable silicone counterpart. This eye-catching set comes with ten platinum-grade silicone straws, four squeegee brushes for cleaning them, and four carrying cases for seamless transport. Best part? The colorful straws are bendable-yet-unbreakable and crafted to withstand steaming-hot and ice-cold temperatures without fail.

Our Pick: Food52, $25.00

Ice Trays

College life comes with many perks but, alas, icemakers are not one of them. Keep your drinks cool with these reusable silicone ice trays. We’re smitten with this design because it comes with a spill-proof lid and is sold in sets of six or three based on your needs. Choose from five fresh hues (like festive white confetti!) to fit your dorm room aesthetic.

Our Pick: Food52, $38.00

Coffee Essentials

College and coffee go together like...bacon and eggs! Dress up a pair of inexpensive mugs with a fun permanent marker design, and keep coffee-making essentials on hand. If your dorm rules don't allow hot plate-style coffee pots, bring a French press or pod-style coffee maker. Don't forget the cream and sugar!

Our Pick: Target, $89.99

Mug Tree

Display your favorite coffee mugs on this space-savvy mug tree. Its crisp white finish and whimsical branched silhouette pack playfulness into your caffeine routine. The pièce-de-résistance? This beauty keeps your coffee station organized and kitchenette counters clutter-free.

Our Pick: west elm, $15.00

Basic (But Beautiful) Dishes

You don't want to spend a lot of cash on basic dorm dishes, but that doesn't mean they can't have great style! Pick a mix of inexpensive, patterned bowls in small and large sizes for everything from cereal to snacks. Add a few microwave-safe plates to complete the set.

Our Pick: Wayfair, $52.99

Cutting Board and Paring Knife

Feed your fruit and veggie habit with this basic cutting setup.

Our Pick: Carbon Steel Pairing Knife from Amazon, $22.99

Silverware

Hit the dollar store for an inexpensive set of forks, knives and spoons. Buy four settings to accommodate a small group and account for inevitable lost utensils throughout the year.

Our Pick: Target, $10.00

Expandable Cutlery Drawer

Store your cutlery in this sleek and space-saving expandable drawer organizer. The streamlined tray is made from resin and comes in your choice of bright white or black for a modern look. Each organizer features a transparent sliding, nested tray on top for small tools and roomy slots for bulkier tools below.

Our Pick: PB Teen, $22.00

Resealable Containers

Save leftover ramen noodles or takeout in easy-to-transport, spill-proof containers that are small enough to leave room for other essentials in your mini-fridge.

Our Pick: Amazon, $24.69

Reusable Food Wrap

Put down the plastic wrap and save your snacks without inadvertently harming the environment in the process. These earth-friendly reusable food wraps are the answer, friend. The ingenious wraps are crafted from beeswax, organic cotton and jojoba oil and come in four fashionable prints to suit your style. You’ll obsess over how easy they are to clean (just add soapy water!) and reuse time and time again.

Our Pick: Food52, $18-$46

Bag Clips

No one likes stale cookies and crackers! Keep snacks fresh with bag clips in a variety of sizes.

Our Pick: Amazon, $10.59

Can Opener

Break open college convenience store foods with ease with a sturdy, dollar-store can opener.

Our Pick: Target, $14.99

Cleaning Supplies

Yes, you have to do the dishes (eventually). Stock your room with dish soap, sponges and kitchen towels packed in a small basket to make washing dishes in the communal sink that much simpler.

Our Pick: Amazon, $11.97

Sink Caddy

Keep your dorm counters free from sudsy clutter with a compact sink caddy. This stainless-steel caddy is failproof; it features two compartments for sponges and brushes and adds a splash of modern appeal to your modest quarters.

Our Pick: Crate and Barrel, $19.99

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